Head of Backend Development

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on, and technically exceptional Head of Backend Development to lead our backend engineering function in a fast-growing startup environment. This role is ideal for a senior Java engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise (Java, Spring Boot, microservices, Kafka) with strong architectural thinking and a passion for building and scaling high-performing engineering teams.

You will help shape our long-term technical vision, guide architectural decisions, lead multiple backend teams, and stay close to complex technical challenges. This is a senior leadership position with high ownership, impact, and influence across the entire platform.

What You Will Do:

Leadership and Technical Strategy

• Lead, grow, and mentor backend development teams while fostering a high-performance engineering culture.
• Define the backend architecture vision and contribute to long-term technical strategy.
• Align engineering priorities with product and company objectives, working closely with the CTO, Product, and leadership teams.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and KPIs that raise quality and efficiency.

Hands-On Technical Leadership

• Act as the senior technical authority for Java-based backend systems.
• Remain hands-on when needed, providing support during complex coding tasks, architectural discussions, incidents, and deep technical investigations.
• Ensure our microservices architecture is scalable, robust, secure, and maintainable.
• Drive performance improvements, refactoring initiatives, and technical debt reduction.
• Guide and review critical design decisions, architecture proposals, and code standards.

People and Team Management

• Manage and mentor Team Leads and senior developers in a flat, collaborative structure.
• Build a scalable backend organization with clear responsibilities, ownership, and accountability.
• Participate in hiring senior engineers, architects, and future Team Leads.
• Foster a culture that values craftsmanship, autonomy, continuous learning, and engineering excellence.

Execution and Delivery

• Own backend delivery processes end-to-end, ensuring predictable execution and high platform reliability.
• Oversee backend development cycles, sprint planning, cross-team coordination, and roadmap execution.
• Ensure high-quality testing practices, documentation standards, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps processes.
• Drive improvements in engineering efficiency, system maintainability, and long-term scalability.

What We Are Looking For:

• 10+ years of hands-on backend development experience with Java, Spring Boot microservices, Kafka, and distributed systems.
• 5+ years of senior engineering leadership (Team Lead, Architect, Engineering Manager, or similar).
• Proven ability to lead multiple teams in a growing or fast-paced environment.
• Strong architectural expertise: system design, APIs, scalability, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, CI/CD.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to dive into complex technical challenges when needed.
• Effective leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term architecture and short-term delivery.
• Passion for mentoring, coaching, and building strong engineering teams.

Nice to Have

• Experience with high-traffic or mission-critical systems.
• Background in fintech, SaaS, trading platforms, or financial technology.
• Experience building engineering organizations from scratch or scaling teams.
• Familiarity with engineering OKRs, metrics, or department-level KPIs.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Hybrid work model (home + office) in Limassol
• Career growth opportunities and ongoing professional development
• Continuous training and hands-on experience with modern technologies
• 21 days of annual leave + 6 days of sick leave
• Work anniversary gift & birthday half-day off
• Digital onboarding and full support during induction
• Supportive, international team — with local colleagues for in-person collaboration